2010 Subaru Outback First Impressions

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St. John's, Newfoundland - Like its Legacy brother, the Subaru Outback has been completely rejuvenated for its 15th anniversary. The list included not only a complete stylistic overhaul but also impressive mechanical improvements and a muscle-building regime that has given it even more bulk.

Like the Subaru Legacy, the Outback's measurement have been increased and highly modified.

Despite all this, the guys over at Subaru admitted that they're not quite sure where their new Outback fits in. Neither they nor the few hundred consumers consulted, who ventured the terms station wagon, SUV and crossover and even came up with some true gems like "Super Wagon". In reality, however, no one actually cares what it is - you simply buy a Subaru Outback for its versatility in all situations.

A statement that makes the automaker's executives grind their teeth, they who would like to increase their market share and appeal to more buyers. It has to be said that people's perception of Subaru is surprising: most drivers don't know the company is Japanese but rather think it's Australian (thanks to Crocodile Dundee and his Outback commercials). So they had to make a few adjustments, aim wider and change people's perception while holding on to what they'd already achieved.

Their choice: create a whole new design language, make it attractive to a greater number of people, make its reliability and capabilities known, but maintain the all-wheel drive that made the brand famous. Their conclusion: everything must be rethought, and that's exactly what the Outback is all about.

A relaxed wagon
Like the Subaru Legacy, the Outback's measurement have been increased and highly modified. It has inherited a longer wheelbase and a wider stance, benefiting both passengers and rear cargo space. This also contributed to shortening front and rear overhang, making driving and tight manoeuvres easier.

Under the hood hides the same 2.5-litre, four-cylinder mill, redesigned as well, however. In the basic version it teams up with a six-speed manual transmission that can be upgraded to a CVT in the Sport, PZEV (optional) and Limited (standard) incarnations.

Under the hood hides the same 2.5-litre, four-cylinder mill, redesigned as well.